Published Date: 24 June, 2024
At DataFlow, we are committed to fostering a thriving work environment that prioritizes the well-being of all our employees. We believe that a healthy and happy workforce lays the foundation for a successful and innovative company.
In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we are shining a light on the importance of work-life balance and self-care for our male team members. So we sat down with some of our team members from around the world to learn about their experiences and how they find balance in their lives.
Here’s what they had to say about the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy work-life balance:
Tony Fargher, Chief Financial Officer – Dubai
“The greatest challenge in my view is that there are so many different challenges we have to deal with at the same time on a daily basis. Difficulty finding/making time to do the exercise we need, combined with access to any food we could dream about at the click of a button, makes it hard to stay fit. Dealing with ever-increasing responsibilities and stress, combined with the stereotypical stigma around men talking about feelings, brings mental health risks. On top of that, everyone has their own personal lifestyle and/or health challenges (including getting older in my case!). And all of this with the natural tendency to just assume everything will turn out alright in the end.”
Top advice: “Spend time talking to people who care about you about your health challenges, both physical and mental. Work together to find solutions and use their support to make incremental improvements for a healthier life. A saying I always remember is, ‘A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one.
Mahmoud Ahmad Arab, Verification Associate – Jordan
“Society often expects men to keep their feelings inside, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and even more. It’s important that we make mental health a priority and create spaces where men feel comfortable talking about how they’re feeling.”
Top advice: “It’s okay for men to ask for help when they need it. We should encourage open conversations and create safe spaces where men feel comfortable talking about what’s going on. Taking care of yourself is important too – that means regular check-ups, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising. Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals, friends, or support groups if you need extra help. By taking these steps, we can all be healthier and happier.”
Ahmed Rawy, Client Delivery Associate Manager – Egypt
“In my opinion, one of the most significant challenges men’s health faces is chronic stress. From work demands to personal responsibilities, the constant pressure can have a cascading effect, contributing to various health concerns, including cardiovascular issues, hypertension, and even mental health struggles.”
Top advice: “Prioritize well-being by striving for a healthy work-life balance and implementing effective stress management techniques. This could include regular exercise, relaxation methods, or simply learning to delegate and say no. Prioritizing self-care is crucial for overall health and well-being.”
Kartik Kapoor, Talent Acquisition Lead Associate – India
“As a man with a full-time job and family, finding work-life balance is a major challenge. Men often get caught up in work, neglecting loved ones. The constant pressure to provide for the family can come at the cost of physical and mental health.”
Top advice: “Men’s health is critical. Take care of your nutrition by avoiding junk food and sugary drinks. Stay active – play sports, hit the gym, or find another physical activity you enjoy. Staying hydrated is also important. If your body is active, your mind will be energized. Break the monotony of a sedentary work life by making an effort to stay active.”
Pranav Gupta, Human Resources Intern – India
“One of the greatest challenges is living up to societal standards and norms. The lack of work-life balance and pressure to conform can take a toll both physically and mentally. Many men don’t have a platform to express themselves and struggle alone, not realizing the impact it can have.”
Top advice: “A healthy body keeps a healthy mind. Make time for physical activity and prioritize speaking up about your feelings. Remember, you don’t have to go through things alone.”
Daniel Edward Berago, Verification Team Leader – Philippines
“Maintaining consistency with diet and exercise can be challenging with a busy work life.”
Top advice: “Develop a consistent routine for diet and exercise, even with a busy schedule. Remember your “why” and set personal goals for yourself.”
These insights reflect diverse perspectives within our team. At DataFlow, we believe in fostering open conversations about well-being and providing resources to support a healthy work-life balance for all our employees.
Explore more enriching conversations with the DataFlow team here:
- Tony Fargher – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Rafi Hattar – Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
- Michelle Ibarra – Country Manager for the Philippines
- Alice Ando – HR Manager for the Philippines
- Anshul Kwatra – Global Onboarding Director in India
- Niharika Singhal – Team Leader and Vendor Manager in India
- Chatrina Sietereales – Applicant Support in the Philippines
- Mira Al Farra – Partner Success Manager
- Rahul Bachchas – Information Security Manager
- CVSS Surya Narayana – Associate Senior Manager
